Last week the Overdrive light in my new (to me) car started blinking. I thought I accidentally hit the button on the end of the shifter, and later it went off so I didn't think much of it. Yesterday it started blinking again, and this time the "check engine" light came on with it.

Took it in to the shop today and the prognosis is that the transmission is slowy slipping and will inevitably need to be replaced in the near future. To the tune of $3800-4000.

And all of this came about yesterday on my way to court where the woman that hit me pleaded not guilty! So now we get to wait another two months for another hearing which will be at the expense of us law-abiding taxpayers.

My head and neck still hurt, I think I need some wine...

Linda

Whine and wine all you want. A big ole hug for you!

((((Cathy))))

Janet

Duane

Duane, I did call the car dealer this afternoon. I spoke to the owner, apparently I have to talk to the salesperson. HUH? This indicates to me that I will have to fight with them. I plan to call my attorney in the morning just to see what my rights (if any) are. I have only had the car 3 weeks.

Cathy and Janet, thanks I am having some wine, although I know the problem will still be here tomorrow....

My head, neck and shoulders DO still hurt. Every day. The physical therapy is actually making it worse. I am going to see if my doc will prescribe massage therapy for me. I have talked to others that have had neck injuries and they claim it helped them.

This too shall pass, it's just another chapter in the great book of Pain In The A$$.

Linda

I am sorry to hear of your friends' health issues. That sucks, for sure and I will keep them in my prayers. You are a wonderful friend to help them in their time of need.

Linda

Hang in there.

Brenda

I talked to the saleswoman today. She immediately got defensive stating the transmission was solid when the car left their lot. I calmly told her that neither one of us can prove otherwise, what I really wanted to know is what they are willing to do about the fact that I am facing a major repair bill and I don't even have the title or license tabs yet. She said she would talk to the owner and call me back.

She left a message later today after I had gone, to call her back. So we'll see what they have to say tomorrow.

Linda

Nancy

Automobiles Covered
To be covered, a car or small truck must be purchased primarily for personal or household use. The terms and length of the warranty depend on the car's mileage when purchased. For cars with fewer than 36,000 miles, the warranty applies for 60 days or 2500 miles, whichever comes first. Parts covered under the warranty for these cars include:

* Engine
* Transmission
* Drive axle
* Brakes
* Steering
* Water pump
* Externally-mounted mechanical fuel pump
* Radiator
* Alternator, generator, and starter

For cars with between 36,000 and 75,000 miles, the warranty applies for 30 days or 1000 miles, whichever comes first. For cars in this category all of the parts listed above are covered except:

* Steering rack
* Radiator
* Alternator, generator, and starter

Automobiles Excluded
The following vehicles are excluded from coverage:

* Cars with 75,000 miles or more
* Cars sold for less than $3000
* Custom-built or custom-modified cars
* Cars eight years of age or older
* Cars purchased primarily for use in a business or farm
* Vehicles with gross vehicle weight above 9000 pounds
* Vehicles manufactured in very small quantities
* Vehicles not meeting federal emission standards
* Diesel engine cars

Warranty
If a part covered by the used car warranty malfunctions during the warranty period, the dealer must repair or replace the part at no charge to the buyer. The buyer must promptly notify the dealer and arrange for the automobile to be taken to the dealer for inspection and repair. The dealer has the choice to correct the defective part or to refund the purchase price of the vehicle minus a reasonable deduction for use of the vehicle. The buyer does not have the right to demand a refund. If a part is repaired under the warranty, the warranty for that part is extended for an additional warranty period. The warranty does not cover any problems if:

* Problem is the result of normal wear and tear.
* Problems result from collision, abuse, negligence, or lack of adequate maintenance.
* Part is covered by an original factory warranty.
* Manufacturer agrees to repair the part at no charge.

If the dealer refuses to fix a problem covered by the warranty, the buyer can bring a lawsuit against the dealer within one year after the warranty expires. The consumer may bring this action in Conciliation Court, where procedures are relatively informal and the consumer need not be represented by an attorney.

A consumer can waive the warranty for a specific part if the dealer discloses in writing that the part has a defect, malfunction, or repair problem and the buyer circles the statement and signs next to it.

Warranty Providers
The warranty described above applies only if the consumer buys from a used car dealer. Anyone in the business of selling used cars who sells more than five used cars a year is considered a dealer and is required to get a license from the state. If someone sells more than five used cars a year but does not get a license from the state, they are still considered a dealer even though unlicensed. The warranty does not apply if the consumer buys a used car from:

* His or her employer
* A bank or other financial institution
* A company that previously leased the car to the consumer
* Any branch of the state, a county, or a city in Minnesota
* An auctioneer selling the car in connection with the sale of other property or land "

Unfortunately the used car I purchased has higher mileage, so it appears that it is excluded. But I will print this out and keep it handy for when I talk to them today. May be able to use it to make me sound smarter! LOL

Thanks so much!

Linda

Sally

They agreed to pay half the cost to rebuild the transmission, and they have a mechanic that they use often that will work on it this weekend, and he can rebuild it for about $2300. He offers a 12 month/12,000 mile warranty, so I decided that was fair. They even gave me a loaner car to use while mine is in the shop.

All in all I am satisfied (so far) with the outcome. I really didn't expect them to work with me at all after my initial conversation with the owner and then the saleswoman!

Hopefully it will all go as planned and I will have my car back by Tuesday.

Thanks for all the advice and support. It's just been one thing after another lately!

Linda

I just hate dealing with anything to do with cars.

I would love to meet you guys in GR, but next Saturday is the big jewelry show here in town and I hope to sell a lot of my stuff to help pay for my half of the new tranny! But I know you three will have a blast. (In my honor, of course! LOL)

Linda

I'm glad you got this resolved, I was going to tell you to call your State Attorney General and find out about used car warranty laws in your state. Just because your high mileage used vwehicle is excluded under that particular law, it very well may be covered under your state's Consumer Protection laws or another law.

I'd still call and ask, you might not even be required to pay half, and it can't hurt to check....

Annie